Aubrey laughed at her expression and reached out, cupping her face with his hands. It made her feel cherished, seen in a way she had never experienced before. “I know, and I’m not sure how to explain it. I only know that you’ve made me brave enough to take responsibility for myself, for my own happiness, and so long as I cause no harm—and I don’t think a nine days' wonder of a scandal constitutes harm—then I shall do as I think best.”
“What do you want, Aubrey?” The words were out before she could check them and Alice cursed her unruly tongue, but Aubrey gazed at her like she was everything he could ever need and she wanted… oh, she wanted to hear him say the words so badly. To believe them.
“You. All of you, whatever that might mean.”
All the breath left her lungs in a whoosh that seemed to undermine the strength in her muscles, and she swayed. Not that it mattered as Aubrey hauled her into his arms. His lips covered hers, hard and demanding, and yet tender.
“Yes,”she said the moment she could take a breath, finding that she was sobbing as she clutched at his lapels. “Yes, oh, yes. Say you mean it?”
“I’ve never meant anything more, love.” He gazed down at her, such sincerity in his eyes that she marvelled at it. He was the hero, and surely she was the villain, and yet they worked, somehow. “But as delightful as this is, we must go. Hawkney and I have had a frank exchange of words, and I’d rather leave him to digest those in private. Hopefully, next time we meet, he’ll be resigned to the inevitable.
“Oh, you’ve rowed with him, over me.” She searched his face for regret and found none, yet she did not wish to be the cause of a rift.
“It was inevitable. But don’t worry. He’s not half so hard-hearted as he likes to believe. Give him time.”
“But he wished to speak with me. I do not wish him to think I ran away, that I was afraid to—”
“He’ll not think that. I told him we were leaving within the hour. So, if you’re ready to go?”
Alice nodded, only too ready to leave this place, to leave London and the threat of Silas Mourney. Alfie really would need to keep a low profile now and stay out of London for good.
The thought was not a happy one, but for now, it was for the best.
Chapter 14
Diamonds and declarations on the road to Little Valentine.
Little Valentine, 20thJanuary 1816
Miss Isabelle Honeywell walked beside her father as they made their way down to The Mermaid. She held tight to his arm for security, finding the cobbles still slippery underfoot. Ahead of them the sea glittered blue in the morning sun, though dark clouds gathered in the west, promising storms to come. Izzy hoped the bad weather would hold off until this evening so they could enjoy a bit of sunshine.
The reverend wanted to invite the less privileged children of the town to tea at the church hall, with lots of cakes and biscuits, where they would receive a sturdy new pair of boots and a winter coat. The Venturesome Ladies had already raised funds enough via donations from their members, and now they needed to arrange a time and menu with Mrs Fairway, what with Anne still being away on her honeymoon.
It always took an age for them to get through the town, with everyone wishing to speak to the reverend, to ask his advice or just pass the time of day. Not that Izzy minded usually, but she was feeling a little out of sorts. It was only natural, obviously. Her life had transformed in the past year, with both her sisters marrying and leaving home. They wrote often, funny and interesting letters that gave her a glimpse into lives that were full and happy, and yet, as pleased as she was for them, she could nothelp but feel just a little envious. It must be wonderful to fall in love and start a new life.
Not that Izzy particularly wanted to fall in love. Notthat.Not yet. But she wanted something to happen to her too. Something exciting. Something out of the ordinary. Nothing ever did, though.
Except for him.
Izzy’s heart did an odd little leap behind her ribs as it always did when she thought of Boreas. The moments she had spent alone in his company felt like a dark secret, hidden deep within her. His image disturbed her, his low, sensual voice whispered wicked things in her ear during the loneliest hours of the night when she could not sleep. Though she knew it was wrong and reckless and utterly stupid, she longed to see him again. That tomorrow was the twenty-first of the month did not help matters.
She was so afraid for him, so terrified of the dreadful risk he took. Even her father had seemed alarmed when she had given him the message. Yet there was nothing either of them could do.
Izzy knew she would not sleep tomorrow night, nor any that followed, not until she knew he was safe.
“Ah, Miss Brown. How do you do?”
Izzy looked up, returning to the present as her father greeted a young lady who had just emerged from the baker’s. A pretty, plump woman with blonde curls escaping her bonnet, she had a basket over her arm, and the scent of fresh baked bread drifted from inside.
“Good day to you, Reverend. Not so bad, and how are you, sir?”
“Well, very well, I thank you. And how is Miss Marwick? I was sorry to hear that she was feeling under the weather. I was thinking of calling upon her today. Is she up to it, do you think?”
The woman, who Izzy now recognised as Alice Marwick’s housekeeper, Lill, flushed and looked a trifle ill at ease. She grasped her basket a little tighter, frowning down at the loaf of bread.
“Oh. I’m sure she will be soon, sir, but… but perhaps not today.”
Papa nodded sadly, and Izzy watched him with interest, noting a glint in his eyes that made her believe he was up to something, or that he knew something she did not. As he continued to ask questions, Izzy’s certainty increased, for her father was not one for idle gossip. “AndMrMarwick? I believe he has made a new friend in town. Aubrey Seymour? A fine fellow. I like him very much. Perhaps he will be a good influence on young Alfred and drag him to church now and then?”
